Blue Jackets News

EASTERN METROPOLITAN

Sean Monahan • C • Blue Jackets

Sean Monahan Dishes Out Two Helpers In Return

Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan tallied two helpers during their 4-3 shootout victory over the New York Islanders on Monday evening. Monahan missed the previous 28 contests due to a wrist injury. However, Monahan did not need much time to return to form as he posted a two-point outing on Monday. He tallied the primary helper on Boone Jenner's shorthanded goal in the second frame. Later in the third, he would add the secondary assist on Kirill Marchenko's game-tying goal. Before his injury, Monahan was enjoying a productive stretch as he tallied 16 points (five goals) over his last nine contests. Through 42 games this season, the 30-year-old has found the back of the net 14 times and added 29 helpers. He should continue to be deployed as the top center in the offense, which makes him a viable option in all formats.

18 hours ago

Sean Monahan • C • Blue Jackets

Sean Monahan Rejoins Blue Jackets Lineup Monday

Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (wrist) has been activated from Injured Reserve and is expected to return to the lineup on Monday against the New York Islanders. Due to a wrist injury, Monahan has missed 28 games, but he is finally healthy again and should give the slumping Blue Jackets a nice boost. Adam Fantilli will give his first-line center job to Monahan, and the veteran centerman is also poised to operate on the first power play unit. Monahan has bagged 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in as many games this season with 100 shots on goal. The Blue Jackets will also welcome back defenseman Erik Gudbranson (shoulder), who is ready to make his first appearance since Oct. 15.

Yesterday

Jake Christiansen • D • Blue Jackets

Jake Christiansen Remains Sidelined On Monday

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jake Christiansen (upper body) will remain sidelined on Monday evening when the Blue Jackets face the New York Islanders. Christiansen has missed the previous four contests due to this injury. As a result, Erik Gudbranson (shoulder) will take his spot in the starting lineup on the bottom defensive pairing. Before his injury, Christiansen was riding a six-game scoreless streak. During this streak, Christiansen logged just six hits with three blocks and a +2 rating. Through 65 total contests this season, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net just once and added seven helpers. Christiansen has also added 47 hits with 64 blocked shots. When he does return, he will not carry much fantasy value, given his lack of scoring upside.

Yesterday

Boone Jenner • C • Blue Jackets

Boone Jenner Scores First Goal Of The Season

Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner found the back of the net for the first time this season on Friday evening against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jenner beat Pittsburgh netminder Alex Nedeljkovic in the opening frame on a tip-in. The 31-year-old has appeared in just 13 contests this season after missing the first half of the campaign due to a shoulder injury he suffered during training camp. During these 13 games, Jenner has tallied a solid 10 points (nine helpers). He has logged 32 shots on goal with 26 hits and 11 blocked shots. Jenner has typically been deployed on the second offensive line and No. 2 power-play unit. Jenner remains a solid option in deeper formats, as he should provide a solid amount of hits and blocks along with his scoring production. He will look to stay productive on Monday against the New York Islanders.

3 days ago

Elvis Merzlikins • G • Blue Jackets

Elvis Merzlikins Stumbles On Friday

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins allowed five goals on 34 shots during their loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday evening. The Blue Jackets dominated the shot total in this contest, but Merzlikins was unable to keep them in the game. He allowed three goals during the opening frame and two goals in the second frame. This poor showing extended his losing streak to six contests. During this stretch, Merzlikins held a 0-5-1 record with a hefty 3.55 GAA and a .890 save percentage. Merzlikins allowed at least five goals during three of these games. However, before this skid, Merzlikins held a modest 5-3-1 record with a 2.88 GAA and a .910 save percentage. The 30-year-old will likely get the starting nod in their next game on Monday evening against the New York Islanders.

3 days ago

Kent Johnson • C • Blue Jackets

Kent Johnson Snaps Skid On Friday

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Kent Johnson found the back of the net during their loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday evening. Johnson would beat Pittsburgh netminder Alex Nedeljkovic in the third period with a wrist shot. Entering Friday, Johnson was in the midst of a scoring slump as he tallied just two points (one goal) over his last seven contests. However, before this brief slump, the 22-year-old tallied an impressive 19 points (nine goals) over his last 18 contests. During this stretch, he logged 37 shots on goal with a +6 rating. Through 55 games this season, the former fifth-overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft has enjoyed a career season, scoring 22 goals with 24 helpers. He will look to kickstart another impressive stretch on Monday evening against the New York Islanders.

3 days ago

Elvis Merzlikins • G • Blue Jackets

Elvis Merzlikins Set To Face Penguins

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will start between the sticks on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He will try to end a five-game losing streak. Merzlikins' recent dip in form has left a negative mark on his record, as the Latvian netminder is now 22-18-5 for the season. He has allowed 3.00 goals with a .897 save percentage and one shutout. Recent weeks have been difficult for Merzlikins, but he has had the Penguins' number this season, winning both of his previous two starts against them, with only five goals allowed. Jet Greaves will serve as Merzlikins's backup on Friday, as Daniil Tarasov (illness) did not travel to the game.

4 days ago

Cole Sillinger • C • Blue Jackets

Cole Sillinger Closing In On Return

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger (shoulder) could be available to return to the lineup this week. He has missed eight games due to a shoulder injury. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Blue Jackets head coach Dave Evanson did not dismiss the possibility of Sillinger's return to action this week. His next chance to make a comeback will be on Thursday against the Florida Panthers. Columbus also has a game scheduled for Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sillinger remains on track for a career year, having totaled 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 54 outings. With Sean Monahan (wrist) also nearing his return, the Blue Jackets offense is about to receive a big boost.

6 days ago

Sean Monahan • C • Blue Jackets

Sean Monahan May Return To Action This Week

Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (wrist) is close to returning to action, possibly as soon as this week. He participated in practice with the main group on Wednesday, and Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason has not ruled out Monahan rejoining the lineup before the week ends. After the practice session, Monahan said that he "felt great." A wrist injury has kept the veteran centerman out since Jan. 7. Monahan has been a point-per-game player for Columbus this season, tallying 14 goals and 27 assists in 41 games. The Blue Jackets will be back in action on Thursday night against the Florida Panthers and will wrap up this week's schedule on Friday with a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

6 days ago

Jake Christiansen • D • Blue Jackets

Jake Christiansen Unlikely To Play On Thursday

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jake Christiansen (upper body) is not expected to play on Thursday evening when the Blue Jackets face the Panthers. Christiansen has missed the previous two contests and will likely extend this absence to three games. In addition, the 25-year-old was not present during Wednesday's practice, which is not a good sign. If Christiansen remains out on Thursday, Jack Johnson will likely remain in the starting lineup. Before this injury, Christiansen was riding a six-game scoreless streak. During this skid, Christiansen logged just three blocked shots with three hits. Through 65 total contests this season, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net once and added seven helpers. He has added 47 hits and 65 blocks. When he does return, Christiansen will only hold value in deeper leagues that reward blocked shots.

6 days ago

Jet Greaves • G • Blue Jackets

Jet Greaves Receives Starting Nod Monday

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves will start in Monday's contest against the New Jersey Devils. The 23-year-old was called up from the minors on an emergency basis on Friday and will take over the crease on Monday, with Elvis Merzlikins (personal) remaining out of the lineup. Greaves has won each of his last two starts in the NHL but hasn't made a single appearance in the big league since Nov. 30. He carries a 2-1-2 record for the season with a 2.98 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. On Monday, Greaves faces a challenging matchup against a team that has netted at least three goals in each of its past four games. This streak includes a 5-3 victory for New Jersey over Columbus last Tuesday.

Mar 17

Yegor Chinakhov • RW • Blue Jackets

Yegor Chinakhov Rejoins Blue Jackets Lineup Saturday

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov will re-enter the lineup for Saturday's tilt against the New York Rangers. He was scratched in favor of Christian Fischer on Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights. Fischer was ineffective in the game, finishing with zero shots on goal and a minus-one rating in a 4-0 loss. Columbus will send him back to the press box on Saturday. Chinakhov has tallied seven goals and 14 points in 25 games this season. He was among Columbus' top forwards early in the season before sustaining a back injury. The Russian forward has not registered any points since returning to the lineup last week. He has been limited to 12:12 of ice time per game. Fantasy managers should currently look past Chinakhov, but he may provide value over the final few weeks of the season once he has regained his sharpness.

Mar 15

Yegor Chinakhov • RW • Blue Jackets

Yegor Chinakhov Sits Out Thursday's Game

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov will be scratched for Thursday's matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Russian forward recently returned from a back injury and will come out of the lineup after playing in four games. Chinakhov has not scored any points since his return and went minus-six in limited ice time, so he clearly isn't at his best presently. The Blue Jackets will use Christian Fischer instead of him against Vegas. Fischer should not be considered a viable fantasy option, as he has posted only seven points (one goal, six assists) in 45 appearances this season.

Mar 13

Daniil Tarasov • G • Blue Jackets

Daniil Tarasov Starts Against Rangers Sunday

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Daniil Tarasov will guard the crease in Sunday's game against the New York Rangers. This matchup has a special meaning for Tarasov, who recorded his first career shutout at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers in January. He stopped all 26 shots faced on Jan. 18 but suffered a 1-0 shootout loss. Tarasov has won his last two starts, improving his record to 6-7-2. He has allowed 3.58 goals with a .881 save percentage. The Russian netminder is sporting underwhelming numbers and has never won three games on the bounce in the NHL, which makes Tarasov a risky pick for fantasy managers on Sunday.

Mar 9

Luke Kunin • C • Blue Jackets

Luke Kunin Set For Blue Jackets Debut Sunday

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Luke Kunin will enter the lineup Sunday for his team debut against the New York Rangers. Columbus acquired Kunin from the San Jose Sharks on Friday in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick. He will boost the team's forward depth. On Sunday, the Blue Jackets plan to use Kunin on the third line next to Justin Danforth and Yegor Chinakhov. The 27-year-old adds muscle to the lineup and can also chip in offensively. In 63 appearances with the Sharks this season, Kunin recorded 18 points (11 goals, seven assists) and 163 hits.

Mar 9

Luke Kunin • C • Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets Acquire Luke Kunin

The Columbus Blue Jackets traded for forward Luke Kunin on Friday in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick. Kunin will move on from the Sharks after spending three seasons in San Jose. The 27-year-old was San Jose's leader in hits this season with 163 and has notched 18 points (11 goals, seven assists) in 63 games. He looks set to remain a middle-six piece for the playoff-chasing Blue Jackets, who value Kunin's versatility. "Luke is a versatile forward who can play down the middle or on the wing, kills penalties and has tremendous character and work ethic," Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said. "He has been a very consistent player throughout his career, and we think he'll be a good addition to our club." Kunin is a pending unrestricted free agent, having signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal last summer.

Mar 7

Sean Monahan • C • Blue Jackets

Sean Monahan Not Expected To Return Until Late March

Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (wrist) is not expected to return until late March, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic. He was initially anticipated to be ready to play in early March, but Monahan's return has been delayed. The 30-year-old will miss his 20th consecutive game on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Monahan has fit in well with the Blue Jackets, averaging a point per game over 41 appearances, with 14 goals and 27 assists. Adam Fantilli has filled a big role during his absence and is on a five-game point streak ahead of Tuesday's contest.

Mar 4

Yegor Chinakhov • RW • Blue Jackets

Yegor Chinakhov Returns From 39-Game Absence

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov (back) is good to go on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning after being sidelined for 39 games. It has been a long road back for Chinakhov, who last played on Nov. 27. He reportedly consulted with at least six doctors, including one in his native Russia, to resolve his back issue. Chinakhov started the season with a five-game point streak and has tallied 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 21 games. On Tuesday, he will return to action on the second line and is expected to spend time with the second power-play unit.

Mar 4

Cole Sillinger • C • Blue Jackets

Cole Sillinger Considered Week-To-Week With Shoulder Injury

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger (shoulder) has been placed on Injured Reserve, with the team considering him week-to-week. The 21-year-old was injured against the Detroit Red Wings last week and will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game when the Blue Jackets host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. Sillinger is on track for a career year, boasting 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) through 54 appearances. On Tuesday, Sillinger's spot on the second line will be filled by Yegor Chinakhov (back), who is ready to return from a 39-game absence.

Mar 4

Dante Fabbro • D • Blue Jackets

Dante Fabbro Back For Blue Jackets Saturday

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro (concussion) will re-enter the lineup on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Prior to the international break, he missed three games due to a concussion. Following a disappointing spell with the Nashville Predators, Fabbro has found a new lease of life in Columbus. He has recorded 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 37 games since joining the team. Fabbro doesn't shy away from dirty work either, having tallied 96 blocks and 44 hits. On Saturday, Fabbro will rejoin the action as Jack Johnson's partner on the third defensive pairing.

Feb 22

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